Common Types of Scams

Understanding different scam types is your first line of defense. Learn to recognize warning signs and protect yourself from the most common fraudulent schemes targeting individuals today.

$10B+ Lost to scams annually
3.2M Reports filed in 2024
78% Target personal data
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Interactive Scam Statistics (All Years)

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Source: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/research-and-resources/scam-statistics - ACCC ScamWatch

Major Scam Categories

Each category has distinct characteristics and tactics. Click through to learn about specific warning signs and real-world examples.

Email Phishing

Fraudulent emails designed to trick you into revealing personal information, clicking malicious links, or downloading harmful attachments.

Common Examples:

  • Fake bank security alerts
  • Phony tax refund notifications
  • Fraudulent package delivery notices
  • Bogus account suspension warnings
🚨 Red Flags:
  • Urgent language and time pressure
  • Generic greetings ("Dear Customer")
  • Suspicious sender addresses
  • Requests for sensitive information
  • Poor grammar and spelling errors

SMS/Text Scams

Fraudulent text messages that attempt to steal personal information or money through fake offers, alerts, and urgent requests.

Common Examples:

  • Fake prize or lottery winnings
  • Phony bank account alerts
  • Fraudulent delivery notifications
  • Bogus subscription confirmations
🚨 Red Flags:
  • Unknown or suspicious phone numbers
  • Too-good-to-be-true offers
  • Urgent action required immediately
  • Requests to click suspicious links
  • Asks for personal/financial info

Social Media Scams

Fraudulent schemes that exploit social media platforms to deceive users through fake profiles, posts, and advertisements.

Common Examples:

  • Romance scams with fake profiles
  • Investment opportunity frauds
  • Fake charity donation requests
  • Fraudulent online marketplace sales
🚨 Red Flags:
  • New profiles with limited history
  • Stock photos as profile pictures
  • Requests for money or gifts
  • Avoids video calls or meetings
  • Pushes for quick decisions

Phone Call Scams

Fraudulent phone calls that use social engineering tactics to extract personal information or convince victims to send money.

Common Examples:

  • IRS or tax authority impersonation
  • Tech support scam calls
  • Fake charity solicitations
  • Grandparent/emergency scams
🚨 Red Flags:
  • High-pressure sales tactics
  • Demands for immediate payment
  • Requests for gift cards or wire transfers
  • Threats of legal action or arrest
  • Caller ID spoofing

Online Shopping Scams

Fraudulent online stores and marketplaces that take payment without delivering goods or sell counterfeit products.

Common Examples:

  • Fake e-commerce websites
  • Counterfeit product sales
  • Non-delivery scams
  • Advance payment frauds
🚨 Red Flags:
  • Prices significantly below market value
  • Poor website design and functionality
  • Limited payment options
  • No physical address or contact info
  • Fake or missing customer reviews

Investment Scams

Fraudulent investment opportunities that promise high returns with little or no risk, targeting people's desire for financial gain.

Common Examples:

  • Cryptocurrency pump-and-dump schemes
  • Ponzi and pyramid schemes
  • Fake forex trading platforms
  • Binary options scams
🚨 Red Flags:
  • Guaranteed high returns with no risk
  • Pressure to recruit others
  • Unlicensed investment advisors
  • Complex strategies you don't understand
  • Difficulty withdrawing your money

How to Protect Yourself

Knowledge is your best defense. Follow these essential protection strategies to stay safe from scams.

Verify Before You Trust

Always verify the identity of anyone asking for personal information or money. Contact organizations directly using official channels.

Protect Personal Information

Never share sensitive information like SSN, passwords, or financial details unless you initiated the contact with a trusted source.

Use Secure Payment Methods

Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency for payments. Use credit cards or verified payment services with fraud protection.

Keep Records

Document suspicious contacts and report them to authorities. Keep records of any financial transactions or communications.

Stay Informed

Keep up-to-date with the latest scam tactics and warning signs. Practice with training platforms like TryScamMe.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels too good to be true or creates pressure, step back. Take time to research and consult with trusted people.

Universal Red Flags - Quick Reference

🚨 Urgent action required immediately
💰 Requests for upfront payments
🔒 Asks for passwords or PINs
🎯 Too-good-to-be-true offers
📧 Generic or suspicious sender addresses
📱 Unsolicited contact from unknown sources
⚠️ Threats of legal action or consequences
🔗 Suspicious links or attachments
💳 Unusual payment methods requested
🎭 Emotional manipulation tactics
📞 Caller ID spoofing or blocked numbers
🏆 Unexpected prizes or winnings